Ruby Rose to Play Batwoman on the CW

Ruby Rose has been tapped to play Batwoman.

The character will make her first appearance as part of The CW’s annual DC Arrowverse crossover event in December. Rose also is set to play the role in the “Batwoman” series the CW has in development for next season.

While the project is still in the script stage, with a star of Rose’s caliber attached and DC Universe architect Greg Berlanti behind it, it is likely to go to pilot and series. (Deadline hears the CW is not planning to use the crossover as a backdoor pilot for “Batwoman” but instead film a full-length pilot as it did with flagship “The Flash.”)
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In the CW’s “Batwoman,” written by Caroline Dries based on the DC characters, armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind, Kate Kane (Rose) soars onto the streets of Gotham as Batwoman, an out lesbian and highly trained street fighter primed to snuff out the failing city’s criminal resurgence. But don’t call her a hero yet. In a city desperate for a savior, Kate must overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham’s symbol of hope.

Rose, who came out as a lesbian at age 12, has identified herself as gender fluid. In 2015, she wrote, produced, and starred in the short film “Break Free,” a tribute to gender fluidity, which became a viral hit, garnering more than 25 million views on YouTube. Rose was awarded the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 2016 GLAAD Media Awards, which is presented to an LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality and acceptance.

“Batwoman” comes from Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television where the company is based. Dries executive produces alongside Berlanti Prods.’ Berlanti and Sarah Schechter as well as former DC Entertainment president Geoff Johns via his new Mad Ghost Productions banner. Johns also has been producing the long-gestating Batgirl DC feature at Warner Bros., which switched writers this past spring.

Following her breakout role as Stella Carlin on Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black,” Rose made the transition to features with major roles in Vin Diesel’s “XXX: The Return of Xander Cage,” “Resident Evil; Final Chapter,” “John Wick: Chapter Two” and “Pitch Perfect 3.”  She next stars in the Warner Bros. action film “The Meg,” which opens this weekend. She is repped by UTA, Art2Perform, and attorney Howard Fishman.
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